Sep 25 2008
Behind The Scenes Of Miss Saigon
Tonight in class we looked at a film of the making of Miss Saigon. It was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Looking at Miss Saigon behind the scenes showed me in context what actually happens in a production. Cameron Mackintosh was involved with the making and it showed him as he worked with the rest of the cast. Most people who watch a show live in the West End don’t realise what it takes to get there and the work that goes into it. Voice training is intensive as well as other more physical skills such as dancing.
Miss Saigon is a tragic love story and the war is the end of a vision for America. Some of the setting takes place in a bar whilst the girls talk to the guys. The director tells the cast what to do and where they should be standing. There are engineers who have to make sure the production goes smoothly.
Each individual has a role of making sure the production is successful. The structure of the theatre company is there for a reason and each person has to work together. Front of house is needed for ticket sales and the people who serve drinks are even important assets in the production of the show.
Costume is essential, sound, music and lighting must all work in unison for the benefit of the show. The show needs set design and a stage manager.
The set can be potentially dangerous and even life threatening if it is not put together right and checked before use. Therefore technical theatre rehearsals are needed before the opening night to check that everything is safe. These rehearsals can be boring and tedious but, are all part of the success of the show.
